Whether you’re bored or burdened, biting your fingernails can look like the right band-aid.

Psychology Today explains that nail biting is sort of widespread behavior in adults, with 20 to 30 p.c of the inhabitants estimated to indulge on this observe.

While the explanation why individuals begin usually differs, one concept is that it helps them to control their feelings.

However, the coping mechanism that just about at all times begins in childhood might spell unhealthy news to your smile, in line with an knowledgeable.

An award-winning beauty dentist, who works on the Chelsea Dental Clinic in West London, took to his TikTok to disclose how the widespread observe can result in tooth injury and bacteria exposure.

Dr Stewart captioned the video: “Don't ever do this one thing if you want great teeth”.

The 16-second clip warns that nail biting might go away your teeth chipped and even immediate them to interrupt.

The physician stated: “Avoid this one thing because it is so bad, and that is biting fingernails.

“It causes your teeth to chip and break, but also there are so many bacteria underneath your fingernails.

“It’s a bit disgusting, so don’t do that, please.”

Children and youngsters appear probably the most vulnerable to nail-biting, with some estimates suggesting that just about 40 p.c of kids and practically half of youngsters chew their nails.

Dr Stewart ended the video by saying: “Do you bite your fingernails? Please stop.”

While this may be simpler stated than executed, there are some methods that would assist you to get began.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends the next:

• Keep your nails trimmed brief
• Apply bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails
• Replace the nail-biting behavior with behavior (once you really feel like biting your nails, attempt enjoying with a stress ball or foolish putty as an alternative)
• Identify your triggers (by determining what causes you to chew your nails, you may work out how one can keep away from these conditions)
• Try to steadily cease biting your nails (attempt to cease biting one set of nails after which proceed to eradicate others).